Check if you're a Windows administrator

How to check if you're a Windows administrator on your computer in Windows 10 or 11.

Before you install or update your software, you must log in to Windows as an administrator.

NOTE: For further help with this go to support.microsoft.com

The steps to check if you're a Windows administrator differ depending on what version you use.

Select the Windows key + R

A window appears on the bottom left of your screen.
In this window, type winver then select OK.
In About Windows, check your version, then refer to the relevant section below.

Now you know what Windows version you're using, click your version below:

Select the windows Start button, then your user name at the bottom of the task bar.
Choose Change account settings.
On the Your info page, if you’re an administrator this will be shown under your user credentials.

Select the Windows key + R, then type netplwiz, then select OK.
The User Accounts window appears when you log in as an administrator.

When you log in as an administrator, you'll see a prompt to enter your credentials. To find out your administrator login details, speak to your IT support.

NOTE: Microsoft has ended support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008.

If the default administrator account for your computer doesn't appear when you start your computer, you can enable this account.

Right-click the Windows Start button then select Command Prompt (Admin).
Type net user administrator /active: yes then select Enter.
Type Exit then select Enter.

The administrator account is now visible when you restart the computer, but by default it has no password.

To turn the administrator account off, repeat the above steps, replacing active: yes with active: no.

For more information on the administrator account in Windows, visit support.microsoft.com

Upgrading your licence

Need a little more room? To add extra companies, users, employees or more to your software licence, leave your details and we'll be in touch.